Science and Mathematics Teaching Center (NASC)

USP Codes are listed in brackets by the 1991 USP code followed by the 2003 USP code (i.e. [M2<>QB]).

1001. Quantitative Reasoning. 1. Focuses on quantitative reasoning defined broadly as viewing the world through a mathematical perspective. Prerequisites: none. Must apply to FIG.

4790. Topics in Natural Science. 1-6 (Max. 10). Presents selected science topics to acquaint teachers or prospective teachers with new concepts, materials or techniques, as introduced in various new school curricula. Topics may include earth science for the middle school, computer learning and/or elementary school environmental science. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: junior standing.

4800. Field Studies in Natural Science. 1-6 (Max. 10). Explores topics best studied in the field, on location, or otherwise outside the traditional classroom. Topics may include grassland ecosystem, geology field trips for elementary children and/or schoolyard study areas. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: junior standing.

5110. Physical Science in Global Context, MSC. 3. One in a series of three courses investigating earth as a system. Examines the global dynamics of energy, hydrocarbon combustion, and the physics and chemistry of water. Investigates relationships between energy transformations and pollutants. Considers environmental limitations of fresh water availability and the buffering effect of sea and fresh water. Prerequisite: graduate standing and teaching certification in elementary, middle school or general science; or, graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in a program leading to teacher certification in Elementary, middle school or general science education.

5120. Earth Science in Global Context, MSC. 3. One in a series of three courses investigating earth as a system. Emphasizes the lithosphere and atmosphere and their interactions with the hydrosphere and biosphere. Examines the interplay between tectonic processes, earth's radiation balance, ocean processes, ozone depletion and the green house effect. Includes evaluation of methods of measuring and monitoring these phenomena. Prerequisite: graduate standing and teaching certification in elementary, middle school or general science; or, graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in a program leading to teach certification in elementary, middle school or general science education.

5130. Life Science in Global Context, MSC. 3. One in a series of three courses investigating earth as a system. Investigates ecosystem composition and processes, and biological responses to changes in ecosystem parameters. Examines terrestrial and aquatic communities, photosynthesis, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, global climate change, climate warning, deforestation, population ecology, DNA/RNA structure, function, genetic engineering and forensic applications. Prerequisite: graduate standing and teaching certification in elementary, middle school or general science education.

5140. Numbers, Operations, and Patterns for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA. 3. Provides working middle-level mathematics teachers opportunities to understand and discuss numbers, their representations, and operations on them, from an abstract perspective that includes elegant proof. Also emphasized is the role of language and purpose in composing definitions. Cross listed with MATH 5140. Prerequisites: admission to a UW graduate program, either degree or non-degree seeking status, and acceptance into the Middle-level mathematics program.

5160. Social and Historical Issues in Mathematics and the Middle-Level Learner, MMA. 3. Empowers teachers of middle-level mathematics to design more engaging experiences. Emphasizes the historical context for the development of mathematics, especially its symbols, tools, personalities, and classic problems. Cross listed with MATH 5160. Prerequisites: admission to a UW graduate program, in either degree or non-degree seeking status, and acceptance into the Middle-level Mathematics program.

5170. Connecting Geometry with Problem-Solving for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA. 3. Showcases two aspects of 2D and 3D geometry: measurement and transformation. Emphasis reflects current State and National standards for middle-level mathematics classroom and teacher preparation, especially appropriate uses of technology, geometric tools, mathematical language, and problem-solving strategies. Cross listed with MATH 5170. Prerequisites: admission to a UW graduate program, in either degree or non-degree seeking status, acceptance into the Middle-level mathematics program.

5185. Analysis of Data in the Media for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA. 3. Focuses on data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication, using contexts relevant to everyday situations. Topics chosen integrate well with the concerns of middle-level teachers and connect with such curriculum areas as health, science, and social studies. This is not a research methods course. Cross listed with MATH 5185. Prerequisites: admission to a UW graduate program, in either degree or non-degree seeking status, and acceptance into the Middle-level Mathematics program.

5190. Mathematics of Change and the Middle-Level Learner, MMA. 3. Students gain a solid understanding of data and functions in the service of calculus. Hands-on, project-driven, and focuses on the essential concepts of functions and calculus and their role in middle-level mathematics. Emphasis is on writing and technology (calculators and probeware). Cross listed with MATH 5190. Prerequisites: admission to a UW graduate program, in either degree or non-degree seeking status, and acceptance into the Middle-level Mathematics program.

5300. Classroom Assessment in Middle-level Science, MSC. 2. Deals with the design, construction, and testing of curriculum materials to bring the spirit of scientific inquiry to elementary school pupils. Research to be conducted in the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center. Prerequisite: NASC 5690.

5320. Plan B Research in Science/Mathematics Classroom, MSC. 3. A course to give graduate students in education, or in service teacher, an in-depth view of the new materials for teaching science in elementary schools. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

5510. Integrated Instructional Strategies, MSC. 2. Appropriate instructional strategies are discussed and modeled for aligning standards, expectations, and experiences in an integrated science environment. Attention is given to unique characteristics of each strategy, including a review of research on the effectiveness of each strategy on student achievement and attitudes. Prerequisite: graduate standing and teaching certification in elementary, middle school or general science; or graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in a program leading to teacher certification in elementary, middle school or general science education.

5600. Mathematics and Statistics in Science Teaching, MSC. 2. Provides science teachers with the knowledge and experience necessary to help students use statistics in the scientific process. Activities emphasize a hands-on inductive approach closely related to the school science curriculum. Important statistical ideas and methods are studied as they arise naturally in the biological, physical, and earth sciences. Prerequisite: graduate standing and teaching certification in elementary, middle school or general science; or, graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in a program leading to teacher certification in elementary, middle school or general science education.

5610. Field Studies in Environmental Education, NED. 4. Expands student's knowledge of ecological and physiological animal and plant adaptations to environmental conditions, the use of teaching methods and tools of naturalists, the range of resources available for designing and evaluating curriculum, and promotes an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of environments. Contains 4 modules. Prerequisite: graduate standing; must be accepted into the Teton Science School Program and matriculating at the TSS site.

5620. Advanced Elements of Field Ecology Course Design, NED. 5 (Max. 6). Addresses designing field ecology courses that include research, outdoor leadership, and natural history components. Opportunities are provided to gain deeper understanding of key natural history and ecology concepts of the bioregion; practical strategies for teaching these concepts in field programs; and to formally present student work. Prerequisite: graduate standing; must be accepted into the Teton Science School Program and matriculating at the TSS site.

5625. Place-Based Education - Teton Science School. 3. Introduces graduate students at Teton Science Schools to the theory and practice of place-based education. The design of the course exposes students to the historical, political, and eco-social underpinnings of place-based education while supporting students in developing thoughtful place-based pedagogies. Prerequisite: graduate student status.

5630. Teaching Practicum-Teton Science School. 2-4 (Max. 6). To improve teaching methods and techniques and expand professional skills. Integrates the foundation of Teton Science Schools, applies coursework content understanding and develops leadership. The course is intended to challenge previously held instructional beliefs and nurture an evolving set of skills and instructional identity. Not equivalent to EDSE 4500 or EDCI 5990 or EDEL 4500. Prerequisite: current enrollment at Teton Science School.

5640. Introduction to Field Science Teaching. 3. Designed to introduce graduate students at Teton Science Schools' to the field of environmental education and instructional concepts for teaching environmental science in the outdoors. Learn field science content, principals of connecting to place, teaching techniques, and learning theories related to environmental education and field science teaching. Prerequisite: current enrollment at Teton Science School.

5650. Place-Based Learning. 3. Place-based learning is explored and related to cognitive development, assessment, and education for a democracy. The focus in on science and mathematics and how to use "place" to provide meaningful learning experiences for students while making contributions to the community. Students develop a local place-based project. Prerequisites: none.

5700. Seminar in Science for Secondary School Teachers. 1-6 (Max. 6). A course to give graduate students in education, or in-service teachers, an in-depth view of the new materials for teaching science in secondary schools. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

5770. Investigation in Natural Science for Secondary Teachers. 1-5 (Max. 10). Deals with the design, construction, and testing of curricula materials to bring the spirit of scientific inquiry to secondary school students. Research to be conducted in the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

5900. Practicum in College Teaching. 1-3 (Max. 3). Work in classroom with a major professor. Expected to give some lectures and gain classroom experience. Prerequisite: graduate status.

5959. Enrichment Studies. 1-3 (Max. 99). Designed to provide an enrichment experience in a variety of topics. Note: credit in this course may not be included in a graduate program of study for degree purposes. S/U only. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

5960. Thesis Research. 1-12 (Max. 24). Designed for students who are involved in research for their thesis project. Also used for students whose coursework is complete and are writing their thesis. Prerequisite: enrollment in a graduate degree program.

5961. Plan B Project. 1-4 (Max. 4). Limited to those students enrolled in a Plan B graduate program. Students should be involved in non-course scholarly activities in support of their Plan B project. Prerequisites: must be enrolled in Plan B program and have departmental approval.